I Was So Busy Celebrating My Wife on Mother's Day That I Didn't Get a Chance to Post on Social Media. Is That a Bad Thing?
Okay, let's reverse that. How many wives felt some kind of way when your husband didn't post pictures from the Mother's Day brunch with you and the family? In full transparency, I do enjoy posting and scrolling through Facebook and Instagram. I enjoy observing the lives of past and present friends. So I'm not a social media snob. With that said, I'm still curious: Have we reached a point where social media is impacting our marriages like never before? Does your marriage match your social profile? I have to ask myself, does my social profile reflect the reality of my marriage? In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in showcasing the highlight reel of our lives on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. But the reality of marriage is far richer—and more complex—than what any filtered photo or carefully crafted post can convey.
Instead of focusing on the polished image, let's talk about 3 aspects of the joy of being married through the lens of real life, with all its ups and downs.
1. Embracing the Imperfections: Real Joy Lies Beyond the Highlight Reel
Social media tends to spotlight only the best moments—vacations, celebrations, and smiles. But even with all of its magic, marriage is a journey filled with everyday challenges, disagreements, and growth. All of these moments might not make it to your feed, but they are the foundation of a deep and lasting connection. The joy of marriage is not about public facing perfection; it's about embracing imperfections together. When couples face challenges head-on, they build resilience and understanding that no filter can capture.
2. Growing Together Through Challenges Strengthens Your Bond
Every marriage encounters storms—whether it's financial stress, parenting struggles, or personal hardships. Social media often glosses over these realities or serves as a platform for rants and in some cases as a source for public humiliation. In reality, navigating through the challenges of life together brings couples closer. The joy of marriage comes from knowing you have a partner who stands by you through thick and thin, in times of happiness and despair. Those moments that you would never turn into an Instagram reel. These shared experiences foster empathy, patience, and teamwork, creating a love that's authentic and enduring.
3. Celebrating the Small, Unseen Moments
Not every joyful moment in marriage is Instagram-worthy. In fact, sheer joy often comes from the quiet evenings, inside jokes, or simple acts of kindness that will never make the headlines. That feeling in the first 30 minutes when the kids are all in bed and can talk to each other without being interrupted. The moment you both realize it's the first Saturday morning in weeks when you have absolutely nothing scheduled. These small, everyday moments are the heartbeat of a marriage. When you focus on truly being present with your spouse—rather than crafting the perfect social media post—you build a deeper, more meaningful connection that sustains your relationship long-term.
Okay, so if I'm being honest I have to admit that some of my favorite social posts actually do celebrate the complexity of life. The "How it started/How it's going" posts that often highlight overcoming challenges. The anniversary posts that speak to how a couple has endured over the years. In the end, social media can be a fun and inspiring way to share parts of your life, in moderation. It should never define or dictate what happens in your marriage. Real joy comes from living your story authentically, celebrating the highs and growing through the lows. So next time you find yourself wondering if you "should" post something, maybe you should give your phone a rest. Remember that the most important moments are often those you experience together, away from the screen.